Textless variant cover of Excalibur (vol. 4) #14, depicting Brian Braddock as Captain Avalon (left) and Betsy Braddock as Captain Britain (right). Art by Jesus Saiz.
Marvel UK, the British wing of Marvel Comics, had been established in 1972. In order to fit in with the style of British weeklies, titles such as The Mighty World of Marvel consisted of reprinted Marvel material in an anthology magazine format, with much of the colour removed. However, these failed to make a major impression on the market, which was dominated by titles of original British material from Fleetway Publications and DC Thomson.[4] In response, Marvel decided the line needed a British character as a flagship title. As Marvel UK itself was effectively a packaging operation at the time with no experienced creative staff[5] the character was devised at Marvel's American headquarters. London-born[5]Chris Claremont - at the time a rising star in the company following his successful work on the revival of X-Men - was one of the few Anglophiles on staff,[6] and was assigned to the title. He came up with the name, origin and cast for the new title, Captain Britain. Art duties went to experienced Incredible Hulk artist Herb Trimpe, who lived in Cornwall at the time[5] and would recall the 8-page strips typically only took him a couple of days to draw.[4] The designer of the character's patriotic costume, complete with Heraldiclion rampant, is unknown; Trimpe has speculated it was John Romita.[4]
The Captain Britain title launched with some fanfare, even garnering reviews (albeit negative ones) in The Financial Times[5] and The Daily Record.[7]Captain Britain #8 would introduce Brian's twin sister, model Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock, who was revealed to have psychic powers, with the following issue debuting Jamie Braddock, their playboy racing-car-driving older brother. However, Claremont left the title after the tenth issue.[4] His replacement was Gary Friedrich, best known for his role in the creation of Ghost Rider.[4] Sales were moribund, and Captain Britain went to black-and-white from #24 to cut costs, attempting to soften the blow with another free gift - Captain Britain's lesser-spotted 'Superjet'. Alan Davis would also recall that - unknown to the American creative team - the 'lion mark' had previously been used by the Egg Marketing Board to denote the quality of eggs, leading to many jokes at the character's expense (which is likely a bit of nonsense on Davis' part, as the lion on the eggs was an Heraldic "lion passant" (on three legs with a front paw raised) while that on the chest of Captain Britain is a "lion rampant" (rearing on the hind legs and pawing the air).[8] In a 1986 article for Amazing Heroes, N.A. Collins named Captain Britain's first costume among the six worst male superhero looks in comic history up to that point, noting the "weird sunroof mask" and the "tacky Avon jewellery".[9]
After 39 issues Captain Britain was merged with Marvel UK's Spider-Man reprint title, at the time called Super Spider-Man.[4] Meanwhile Captain Britain had already appeared alongside Spider-Man in America. Claremont was working on Marvel Team-Up with John Byrne and decided to use the format as an introduction for Braddock via the device of him briefly rooming with Peter Parker. The two-issue storyline also saw the debut of Arcade and his Murderworld.[4] The character had been a conclusive failure for Marvel. As a result they realised that they needed to recruit from the British comic scene, and in August 1978 Stan Lee headhunted Dez Skinn. In what the specialist press called "the Marvel Revolution", Skinn insisted on funds being made available to make homegrown material.[10] Among his efforts was Hulk Comic, a weekly styled like Marvel UK's rivals boys' comics. The title mixed reprints with new material, including a fantasy strip starring the Black Knight.[11] The serial was written by Steve Parkhouse, who was deeply interested in Celtic and Arthurian myths, also drawing on the works of Ursula K. Le Guin, Larry Niven and J. R. R. Tolkien. This gave a perfect opportunity to reintroduce Captain Britain, now under a British-based creative team, with veteran John Stokes on art duties, later joined by Paul Neary.[12]
Skinn quit Marvel UK, with Neary taking over as the offshoot's editor-in-chief.[13] Neary paused commissioning covers to free up resources to make a new Captain Britain feature for flagship anthology Marvel Superheroes. Even then he was only able to hire newcomers and turned to editor Dave Thorpe, who had never written before, and Alan Davis, an acquaintance of Neary's who had only recently turned professional.[8] Thorpe and Neary had already devised the idea of sending the character to a parallel Earth when Davis came onboard. Davis was tasked with redesigning the lead character's costume with the stipulation to lose the clumsy sceptre, with the artist taking a cues from military uniforms in the new look and bulk out his physique. His unused concepts for the character would later be used for some of the Captain Britain Corps. The new team debuted in Marvel Super-Heroes #377, in September 1981;[8] it had initially been advertised as appearing in #375, but was hit by delays.[4]
Thorpe would fall out with Davis and Marvel after only a few months when he wrote a story featuring Captain Britain resolving the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Neary backed the artist, leading to Thorpe leaving the strip.[8] His replacement was Alan Moore .[8] The new team moved the strip in a darker tone, reconfiguring Jaspers as a powerful reality-warping mutant and introducing the unstoppable hero-killing cybiote The Fury.[4] Jackdaw was killed off, and in Marvel Super-Heroes #388 Captain Britain seemed to join him.[4] This allowed the strip to cover the character's resurrection and history in a new title, The Daredevils, in January 1983. Despite both the new title and the ongoing strip receiving good notices,[5] including an Eagle Award, The Daredevils was a sales disappointment and was cancelled after 11 issues in November 1983, with Captain Britain transferring back to the relaunched Mighty World of Marvel. Following the conclusion of the "Jaspers' Warp" storyline in June 1984, Moore left the series.[4] Meanwhile the character was also selected for a sizeable role in Marvel Super Hero Contest of Champions, a crossover limited series published by Marvel UK's parent company. However, delays saw the title - originally created as to tie in with the 1980 Summer Olympics - held back until 1982.[14]
Davis would briefly take over writing the story himself until being joined by Jamie Delano, an up-and-coming writer recommended by Moore, and Meggan was incorporated as a major supporting character.[8] In January 1985 the serial was transferred back to a new Captain Britain monthly series. Sales were initially respectable but began to fall, while Davis felt Delano wasn't interested in the superhero genre and was also finding his own time to be taken up by a lucrative role as artist for Captain Britain meanwhile would appear as a guest character in Captain America #305-306, with art from Neary.[4][8]
When Claremont read the reinvigorated Captain Britain stories he was impressed with the development of the characters[5] The result was Claremont and Davis creating the super-team Excalibur, picking up Captain Britain and Meggan from where Captain Britain had left them and adding X-Men refugees Nightcrawler, Shadowcat and the Rachel Summers incarnation of Phoenix. The group initially came together in the lavish Excalibur Special Edition in 1987, and soon became the stars of a regular series, with Captain Britain playing a major role. The success also led to Marvel printing a trade paperback compiling the material Davis had produced for the character after Moore's departure, which was coloured by several artists. Davis would redesign the character's costume again for Excalibur #13; previously it had largely been depicted in black-and-white, with Davis himself colouring the colour cover appearances. However, he found the American colourists were frequently making mistakes and so simplified it. Parallel to these storylines the character also appeared in new British material, featuring as a supporting character in Marvel UK's Knights of Pendragon series.[4]
Captain Britain was lost in the time-steam off-panel before Excalibur #68, and when he did return was rechristened Britannic, with a redesigned costume.[4]Warren Ellis became writer for the title in 1994, and one of his storylines involved revitalising Brian, who reclaimed the identity and costume of Captain Britain in Excalibur #100. However, Ellis would leave the series soon afterwards and his successor Ben Raab swiftly wrote the character. Sales were falling and the title was cancelled in 1998, ending with Brian returning to marry Meggan. Captain Britain then spent several years without a regular title, though in 2001 Raab wrote the four-issue Excalibur limited series that involved the Captain Britain Corps and ended with Braddock as King of Otherworld.[4][15]
New Excalibur, Captain Britain and MI: 13 and Secret Avengers
Brian was later featured as the team leader of New Excalibur in 2005, culminating with the X-Men: Die by the Swordlimited series. Following the Secret Invasion crossover, Brian headlined the 2008 series Captain Britain and MI: 13, written by Paul Cornell, which included some characters from New Excalibur, as well as members of MI: 13 who appeared in Cornell's Wisdom limited series. The character later appeared as a regular character in the 2010-2013 Secret Avengers series, from issue #22 (April 2012) through its final issue #37 (March 2013), reappearing with the Avengers as a part of the Time Runs Out storyline.[16]
Around the same time the character made his first appearance in a British-made comic since the end of Knights of Pendragon when Panini Comics, who had taken over Marvel UK following the latter's mid-1990s collapse following an ill-advised rapid expansion under Neary, began producing small indigenous strips for the young reader-orientated Spectacular Spider-Man. Captain Britain guest-starred in #114, dated March 2005, and written by Jim Alexander with art by John Haward and a returning Stokes. Positive reader response saw a second appearance the following year in Spectacular Spider-Man #133.[4]
Dawn of X and Beyond
During the 2019 X-Men franchise relaunch Dawn of X, following Brian's corruption by Morgan le Fey, Betsy Braddock claimed the mantle of Captain Britain in a new volume of Excalibur written by Tini Howard.[17] Leading a new Excalibur roster including Gambit, Rogue, Jubilee, Rictor and Apocalypse, the team comes into conflict with Morgan le Fey and the anti-mutant Coven Akkaba, as well as Saturnyne, who had usurped the role of omniversal magisitrix and refuses to accept Betsy as Captain Britain. During X of Swords, in which Apocalypse's secret plans of reuniting Krakoa with Arakko come to fruition, leading Saturnyne to arrange a tournament between both sides to avoid a war in Otherworld, Betsy is apparently killed in a duel with Isca the Unbeaten, shattering along with the Starlight Sword. Saturnyne reconstitutes the shards to revive the Captain Britain Corps, but is distraught when the new Captains Britain are variants of Betsy rather than of Brian. After the tournament, Betsy's consciousness becomes lost in the multiverse, returning with the assistance of Kwannon, during which the two begin to come to peace with their complicated relationship.[18] After the revival of Morgan le Fey, Betsy leads Excalibur against Merlyn and King Arthur. As Avalon falls to Merlyn and Arthur, the mutants escape to Earth, severing the connection to otherworld, while uses the Starlight Sword to return to the fight herself, knowing she will be trapped without the protection of Krakoan resurrection.[19]
In the follow-up series Knights of X, also written by Howard, Betsy and the Corps take up refuge with Merlyn's daughter and former magistrix Roma, rescuing mutants facing danger in Otherworld. Refusing Betsy's request for an army, Roma instead sends her on a quest for the Siege Perilous alongside Gambit, Rachel Summers, Bei the Blood Moon, Gloriana, Kylun, Rictor, Shatterstar, Shogo Lee, and Arthur's mutant son Mordred. After being tested by the Siege Perilous, Betsy and her knights forge a pathway to Krakoa, bringing an army of Krakoan mutants to fight against Merlyn and Arthur, with Betsy finally executing Merlyn and decreeing that the Corps will not be bound by any one ruler and will instead defend the multiverse on their own terms.[20] During this ordeal, Betsy also cemented her romantic relationship with Rachel Summers, sharing a kiss as Rachel helps the knights overcome the Siege Perilious.[21]
Throughout the Dawn of X and subsequent stories, Betsy had been contending with an increasingly-fraught political situation at home, with forces within the British government and populace opposing the legitimacy of a mutant holding the role of their champion. This conflict worsens in Howard's series Captain Britain: Betsy Braddock, which features Betsy's further conflicts with Morgan le Fey as the villain attempts to conquer Britain with the assistance of Doctor Doom. Betsy is assisted in this series by Rachel, Brian, and Meggan (now going by the monikers of Askani, Captain Avalon, and Gloriana, respectively), as well as revived members of Pete Wisdom and the S.T.R.I.K.E. PSI Division, together defeating le Fey by forging a true respectful connection between le Fey and the land. As Brian reconstitutes the Braddock Academy, Betsy continues on with her responsibilities to Britain and the multiverse as Captain Britain and leader of the Corps.[22]
The Captain Britain Corps is a fictional league of super-heroes appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The characters are all known as, or appear as an alternative version of, Captain Britain, each coming from an alternative reality. Created by writer Alan Moore and artist Alan Davis, the corps first appeared in The Daredevils #6 (June 1983). Founded by Merlyn, his daughter Roma and Sir James Braddock, the organization is tasked with defending the multiverse. The power wielded by members of the corps is derived from absorbing and metabolizing energy generated by the matrix of "exotic particles" naturally occurring at weak points between dimensions, which are present at each dimension's equivalent of the British Isles in unusual quantity and proximity; members are tasked with safeguarding the gateways between dimensions and being the highest champion of each earth's respective morality codes.[24] In addition to the Captains themselves, the organization has included administrators such as Merlyn, Roma, and Saturnyne.
Fictional organisation biography
Merlyn and Roma had arranged for each chosen member of the Corps to gain superpowers, often using unscrupulous means. Following Merlyn's funeral, Roma took control over the corps, making Saturnyne her subordinate and bringing Corps members to the Starlight Citadel for training. Roma also tasked Corps members to take turns in defending Otherworld. Corps members would continue to gather in for important occasions. The corps rarely fought as a unit in these stories, with an exception occurring when Roma dispatched them against Franklin Richards and the Fantastic Four.
The Corps was nearly wiped out by Mastermind, a villainous computer belonging to Brian Braddock, and a group of mutated children known as the Warpies, who were once the wards of Captain UK. Roma stepped down as omniversal guardian, giving the title to Brian Braddock, who became King of Otherworld and rebuilt the Corps. Another wave of destruction tore through Otherworld due to Wanda Maximoff's alterations to reality in House of M, which nearly led to Roma and Saturnyne erasing that universe.[25] It once again it came under attack, this time from Mad Jim Jaspers and Corps members which he began to turn into Furys.[volume & issue needed] The end of the battle saw Roma dead, along with most of the Corps along with her. Saturnyne appointed Albion the new leader as they rebuilt the corps once again.[26] Later, the Captain Britain Corps investigate universal Incursions which are causing the destruction of various realities, and the deaths of twenty Corpsmen. After the members of the Corps capture a Mapmaker, the Ivory Kings send their entire forces to overrun the Starlight Citadel, destroying the entire Corps. Saturnyne is able to teleport Brian Braddock to safety, leaving him as the Corps' only survivor.[27]
Membership
The Captain Britain Corps spans the multiverse; the exact number of members is unclear. Many members are simply named Captain Britain, while some others use names such as Captain U.K. or Lady London or names reflective of the specific characteristics of their respective universes (such as Hauptmann Englande or The Violet Swan) or individual circumstances (such as Spider-UK). Of the corps members depicted in publication, most, but not all, have been alternate versions of Brian or Betsy Braddock.
Known members
A number of individuals are known in-story to have been members of the Captain Britain Corps at some point in their fictional portrayals.
Brian, son of Sir James Braddock, is from the main Marvel Universe and a former ruler of Otherworld. He was the first character to use the Captain Britain title in publication and has been the leader of three incarnations of Earth-616's Excalibur as well as the Corps has worked with MI: 13.[32] He currently uses the title Captain Avalon as defender of Avalon.[17]
She is from the main Marvel Universe and was given the role as Captain Britain for a brief time before becoming Lionheart. She is a former member of the Avengers and currently lives in her home reality.
Daredevils #7 (July 1983, mentioned); Mighty World of Marvel (vol. 2) #13 (June 1984)
He appeared in a one-off solo strip written by Alan Moore for the small press title Mad Dog in 1986.[33] His Earth is portrayed as a similar type of world to that of Orwell's novel 1984. He was among the members of the Corps slaughtered by Mastermind and the Warpies.[34]
He eventually attempted to retire due to dissatisfaction with the Corps, but was forced to continue his activities for a brief time by his suit even past his own death.[39]
Captain Wales (Huw Gruffydd)
Earth-6200
X-Men/Red Skull: Chaos Engine: Book Three
Killed by Dr. Doom[37] and was posthumously honored by the Corps for his actions.
Not seen, only mentioned as being present. Presumably died along with the majority of the Captain Britain Corps members present for the battle against Mad Jim Jaspers.
Member of the original Corps,[44] Braddock was sent by Merlyn to Earth-616 shortly after the end of World War II to replace its James Braddock and father a hero.[45] He fathered Jamie, Brian and Betsy Braddock and was a member of the Hellfire Club (London) before he was killed in an explosion.[42]
Merlyn began safeguarding the total of all universes in existence when he established himself as Omniversal Guardian and founded the Corps. He later went mad and his daughter usurped his position.
Founding of the Corps alongside her father Merlyn and Sir James Braddock. Took the position of Omniversal Guardian after her father went mad but was later killed during an attack on the Starlight Citadel.[26]
The sole survivor of Earth-238, Linda was transported to Earth-616 to escape the Fury and eventually helped destroy it. Afterwards, Roma assigned her to Earth-794 (to deal with Opul Lun Sat-Yr-Nin)[46] and later reassigned her to Earth-839.[47]
Also a member of Calibur alongside that dimension's versions of Spider-Girl, Iron Fist, Hulk and Dr. Strange. She was sometimes known as Captain Saxonia.
Captain Britain (Meggan)
Earth-1189[23]
Excalibur #44 (1991)
Her world was devastated by war between superheroes and villains. She took over the mantle after her version of Braddock died[49] and became part of the Corps.
Captain Cymru (Morwen Powell)
Earth-1282
Excalibur #24 (1990)
One of the few known Captains who uses a gun with Plastrix.
Never confirmed as official Corps member. She and Lockheed jointly took the mantle of Captain Britain. Her planet was conquered and her people enslaved. She was bound to Kyllian as his personal hound by Tullamore Vogue.
In the pages of "Ultimate Invasion", Maker traveled to Earth-6160 and remade it into his own image. A French nobleman named Henri Duggary is this world's Captain Britain, ruling over the European Coalition and being one of the members of the Maker's Council. It's implied he took the mantle by force and is keen on suppressing Britain's culture and its symbols.[52] After the Maker was locked into The City with Iron Man and Kang the Conqueror, Duggary meets with the other members of the Council and suggests that they should divide the North American Union among themselves, redistributing it.[53]
When Iron Lad leads Doom, Thor, and Sif to Latveria to raid the Maker's repository, he attacks them, wounding Thor with a magic blade before being hit in the left eye by Iron Lad. Henri informs the rest of Council, bitter as the brawl disfigured his face. He gets some sympathy from Hulk as the group takes advantage of the situation, making use of a Stark/Stane satellite to attack Stark Tower in a false flag attack, causing thousands of casualties.[54]
Months later, Henri Duggary is in charge of the East Coast and meets with the appointed Shadow Governor of New York,
Wilson Fisk, who informs him about Spider-Man and Green Goblin. Henri advises Fisk to use the resources that they gave him.[55] When interrogated by Green Goblin, Bullseye states to him that the loyalty that he and his siblings share was enough that they tore out one of their eyes the day when Henri's eye was wounded.[56]
At the time when the Ultimates confront exterminators Hank Pym and Janet van Dyne, Henri Duggary attacks with his Black Crusade and an army of Giants. Wasp accepts her gifts and helps to fight Duggary's forces. After some convincing from Captain America, Hank Pym becomes Giant-Man and grows large enough to step on Dugarry's soldiers. Since Duggary's body was nowhere to be found among the corpses, the Ultimates assumed that he got away, leaving his wherabouts unknown. [57]
Later, Duggary meets with Wilson Fisk at a secure building, being briefed on Bullseye's disappearance as Fisk mentions that he never met the Maker. He admits Fisk was right about the vigilante problem and seems convinced that it has grown into a larger threat to the Maker's Council and their system since his defeat in the hands of the Ultimates. He offers Fisk a team of his agents, but Fisk refuses, stating he has six alternative plans.[58]
^Tandarich, Dan (June 2010). "The Story of Marvel's First Limited Series: Contest of Champions, a.k.a. Marvel's Road Not Taken to the 1980 Summer Olympics". Back Issue!. No. 41. TwoMorrows Publishing.
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